A year after the tragic death of Zakiyya Moosa, residents of N. Holhudhoo have once again taken to the streets, demanding justice and expressing frustration over what they allege as police negligence in the investigation.
Zakiyya was discovered dead in the storage area near the kitchen of her Newlife residence on the morning of 10th September last year. While authorities initially reported the incident, some island residents maintain that she was murdered, sparking a series of protests calling for accountability.
Concerns Over Investigation Handling
During the protest, demonstrators voiced serious concerns about the handling of the crime scene. Residents claim that the police interfered with the scene before the forensic team arrived, and that crucial evidence, including photographic documentation, was improperly collected or overlooked entirely.
Clad in black, protesters urged authorities to expedite the investigation and address what they describe as systemic lapses by law enforcement.
National Integrity Commission Demands Action
The National Integrity Commission (NIC) has since requested criminal prosecution against several police officers connected to the case. Those named include Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen, Assistant Commissioner Mohamed Riyaz, and Chief Superintendent Hassan Shifau, Head of the Major Crime Department.
“No matter the obstacles, we will continue our fight. We demand that the seven individuals you have identified face charges and that justice is served for Zakiyya,” said one protester during the demonstration.
Accusations against the police include abuse of official position, obstruction of justice, interference with state institutions, and misuse of the deceased, raising concerns about accountability within the law enforcement system.
Witness Accounts and Allegations
A witness to the tragic scene described Zakiyya’s body, stating that her head appeared nearly severed from her body. Meanwhile, Zakiyya’s family and several Holhudhoo residents argue that she, who was reportedly receiving treatment for mental health issues, did not take her own life. They allege that her death was the result of foul play involving one or more individuals.
The protest marks the latest chapter in a year-long struggle by the community to seek answers and justice for Zakiyya Moosa, reflecting ongoing concerns about transparency and responsibility in the Maldives’ criminal investigation process.
